The Mayflower compact is an early document which holds an important part in the history of the United States.
Named after the British ship, the Mayflower which brought in Pilgrims from Plymouth, England to the new world.
The document was signed by 41 male members of the Pilgrims even before the Ship had landed on to the shores of the New World.
In essence, it laid down a framework for a 'temporary government' model until a more formal government can be established.
The document is a proof, that from the very beginning the early colonial settlements in New England were based on religious freedom, human rights and a democratic model of governance.